When you walk into a childcare centre, you’re not just looking for happy faces, you’re scanning for safety, trust, and transparency.
As a parent, it’s easy to assume all centres approach safety the same way, but that’s not always true. Understanding how childcare centres keep children safe, and knowing what you should look for, is one of the most important steps in choosing care for your child.
Here’s what you really need to know about ensuring child safety in childcare centres and how to make sure your chosen provider takes it as seriously as you do.
Assess the Environment
A bright, cheerful space is wonderful, but true child safety in childcare begins in the details.
When touring a centre, take note of:
- Secure entry and exits, only authorised adults should have access.
- Supervision visibility, educators should be positioned to see every child at all times.
- Safe design choices, child-height furniture, soft surfaces, covered power points, and secure gates.
- Playground standards, equipment should be stable, age-appropriate, and regularly inspected.
Tip: Ask how often the centre performs risk assessments or safety audits. A confident answer shows a proactive culture.
Ask About Educator Training and Ratios
Health and safety in childcare rely on highly trained, attentive educators.
You have every right to ask:
- What first aid and CPR training do staff complete?
- How often is safety training refreshed?
- What’s the educator-to-child ratio in each age group?
Consistent ratios matter. They’re not just a regulation, they’re how centres ensure no child is ever out of sight or unsupported.
Ask How the Centre Meets the Child Safe Standards
Since 2023, all early learning providers in NSW must comply with Australia’s Child Safe Standards, 10 principles designed to keep children safe from abuse or neglect.
When choosing a centre, ask:
- How are children empowered to speak up or express discomfort?
- How are staff screened and supported under the standards?
- How are families involved in safety decisions?
A great centre will have clear answers and documentation ready for you.
Notice How Educators Interact with Children
Genuine child safety in childcare isn’t only physical it’s emotional.
Observe how educators speak to children. Are they calm, respectful, and engaged?
Do they get down to a child’s level when talking or comforting?
Children learn emotional safety through consistency and empathy. The right centre will make you feel that warmth the moment you walk in.
Don’t Forget Health and Hygiene
Health and safety in childcare also cover cleanliness, nutrition, and illness management.
When visiting, ask to see:
- The centre’s cleaning schedule (especially for bathrooms, toys, and high-touch surfaces).
- Meal preparation and allergy protocols, is food prepared on-site?
- How they manage illness exclusions or infectious diseases.
Look for Transparency and Communication
A safe childcare centre doesn’t just prevent accidents, it communicates quickly and clearly when things happen.
Ask about:
- How families are notified of incidents or injuries.
- How educators share daily updates or wellbeing notes.
- Whether you can easily access policies on health and safety in childcare.
If a centre avoids questions, or can’t show you their processes, that’s a red flag.
Trust Your Instincts
No checklist replaces your intuition. If something feels off, trust that.
The right centre will welcome your questions, explain their procedures openly, and make you feel like a partner in your child’s safety.
Ensuring child safety in childcare centres takes teamwork: vigilant educators, well-designed environments, clear communication, and informed parents.
By asking the right questions, you’re not being difficult , you’re doing what great parents do: protecting your child and helping your centre uphold the highest health and safety in childcare standards.
At Young Academics, we’re proud to lead with transparency and care.
